University of Texas at Dallas Live Learn Community New Residence Hall Activates the Spaces in Between at UT-Dallas’ Live Learn Community

The Challenge

The University of Texas at Dallas challenged HKS to design a new residential hall as part of a multi-phase north campus residential community to help handle growing enrollment. In addition to new student apartments, the university wanted to create unity and connection between previously separate residential spaces and new amenities.

The Design Solution

The design of the Phase IV residence repeats the language of its predecessors, en-suring continuity and familiarity. Parity between residence halls was an important consideration to maintain consistency in student housing costs and expectations. Students can study or socialize in common learning spaces, where they can “see and be seen.” A recreation and athletic facility, open to the entire north campus community, serves as a hub for campus life. The design features two, five-story housing wings linked to a circular, two-story common area with a 30,000-square-foot (2,787 sm), 800-seat central dining facility on the first floor and a 25,000-square-foot (2,322 sm) recreation and fitness area on the second floor. The project achieved LEED Silver certification.

The Design Impact

A greater density of apartments allows for greater efficiency and encourages community-building among the university’s more than 800 students, for whom proximity to accessible dining and recreation facilities is a key part of the live-learn philosophy.